Keith is an internationally award-winning and published professional photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina. His images can be found in many stores throughout the country. Additionally, he is owner of Charleston Photography Tours. If you happen to visit the Charleston area, there’s a good chance you may see him chasing that one-of-a-kind light that the beautiful Low country provides! Keith firmly believes in living in the moment. He takes this approach with every photo, hoping that he can share that same emotion with the viewer. His advice for fellow photographers: 'Don't let rules or the work of others intimidate you. Of course there's something to be said for the perfect composition, but if you shoot because you're trying to impress or obtain the highest score, you will soon be robbed of the passion you once had!'
We asked Keith to compile some of his favorite work and offer us a glimpse into his technique and style. Join us as we get to know Keith Briley...
The Keepers
This shot has special meaning as it was my very first shot with the Vanguard ABEO Pro 283AT tripod. We were actually on tour with a couple of clients when we stopped to shoot this mysterious road. The twisted Live Oaks dripping with Spanish Moss lined both sides of the fog filled trail. It had rained prior to our arrival, so the sandy soil was saturated. But, not saturated enough to keep me from getting horizontal. With the camera attached to the Vanguard GH-300T pistol grip ball head, I removed the center column and replaced it on the tripod upside down. With my camera now upside down and inches from the ground, it was now time to get dirty. If I wanted the viewer to see exactly what I saw at that moment, I had to shoot this mystical scene directly from the ground. There was just too much detail in the road that would have been lost if not captured inches from it. After a few clicks of the cable release and the serious need to wash my clothes, I got the shot.
Camera: Nikon D700
Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter Speed: 1 sec
Aperture: f/22
ISO: 200
Around The Bend
After a personal tour throughout the beautiful slots of Antelope Canyon, I made my way to the grand marvel known as Horseshoe Bend. After the 3/4 mile hike uphill and in sand, I reached the top. I noticed the surrounding ground consisted of the desert elements, with very little plant life, and loose gravel. One slip of the step and you'll be earning your wings! After soaking it all in, I removed my gear and started setting up. As I patiently waited for the magic to happen, I played with focal distance and aperture, all while keeping a close eye on my histogram. Although the lens was wide, it still wasn't enough to capture all of the Bend's glory into one single frame. With the exposure far from being prime, I had ample opportunity to plan my stitch. After moving from spot to spot, to capture just the right composition, I found my little plot of the sand. With one foot of the tripod centimeters from the canyons edge, I planned my attack. As the sun started to fade and the other visiting photographers began to head back down the trail, I knew the best was yet to come. The select few that had decided to stay began to see the pinks and purples that the early evening sky was wispily painting. It was almost as if the show in the sky was being presented for just a select few. I shot as many frames as possible until darkness settled in. In that very short period of time, I was able to shoot 27 frames for a total of 3 images. Even if I had walked away without a single shot, I was inspired like never before and fully aware of what this incredible place we call earth has to offer.
Camera: Nikon D700
Focal Length: 14mm
Shutter Speed: 1 sec
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 200
Winter's Prelude
In September of 2013, my beautiful photographer bride and I spent our honeymoon amongst the mountains of Washington. Canada was her old stomping ground for many years, and she, like myself, had never explored the beautiful state. Fall had just begun and we wanted to get up there before their early winter conditions started rolling in. Many roads in the higher elevations close for the winter and aren't accessible until the warmth of spring arrives. We wanted to cover as much ground as possible for the amount of time we had to spend there. With many of our images being captured while hiking through the woods or along the many streams, this one was actually shot from an overview off the main road. I named this image 'Winter's Prelude' because I was able to capture it in all its glory prior to being covered by a thick blanket of snow once winter arrives. I consider this one to be one of my favorites for many different reasons. But, mostly because it's a reminder that I get to spend the rest of my life with someone who shares in the same passion as I do.
Camera: Nikon D700
Focal Length: 14mm
Shutter Speed: 1/25 sec
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 200
Casted Away
While exploring a local island in South Carolina, I came across this stranded shrimp trawler. I was traveling down a backroad, towards a river, in search of a docked shrimp boat I had seen from the other side. The overgrowth was so great that I didn’t notice the sad scene until I had passed and it showed up in my rear view mirror. As soon as it did, I turned the Jeep around and headed back. I pulled up, parked and grabbed my gear. I knew this was a shot I had to capture and capture well. I wanted to hopefully share the same sad emotion I felt when seeing this once workhorse shoved to the side and left to deteriorate. Since then, the overgrowth has been removed and the trawler, disappeared. I can only hope that even if for my one visit with her, she still wanted to stand strong and help bring in the last catch of the day.
Camera: Nikon D700
Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter Speed: 1/6 sec
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 200
Waiting For The Sun
This black & white image was captured in Lexington, KY, near Keeneland. This was not only my first visit to meet the future in-laws, but my first visit to thoroughbred country, as well. My beautiful bride-to-be was anxious to show me the area. It was February and the wintery skies showed it. We had driven most of the backroads where a majority of these magnificent barns and farms are located. From time to time, I would spot a location I thought I could capture and give it my best shot. With the land covered in fence rows, trees of all sizes and a very complimentary sky, I just knew I would capture something! It wasn’t until I uploaded the images that I recognized just how difficult it is to capture the true essence of these
amazing structures and the rolling soil they’re built on. Thankfully, my very last shot of the day offered all the elements wrapped up into one beautiful location.
Camera: Nikon D700
Focal Length: 14mm
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 200
Keith Briley
Visit Keith's website, Facebook, and learn more about Charleston Photography Tours.